President Donald Trump’s attempt to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine is facing resistance from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who appears to be using delay tactics to strengthen his position on the battlefield before engaging in serious negotiations.
Putin publicly welcomed Trump’s proposal, calling it “great and correct,” but stopped short of committing to a deal. Instead, he introduced a series of new demands, including concerns over how a ceasefire would be monitored and whether Ukraine would be allowed to rearm. These conditions, likely designed to favor Russia, threaten to derail any progress toward peace.
The Russian leader also insisted on addressing the “root causes” of the war—a phrase that echoes Moscow’s longstanding grievances against NATO expansion and Ukraine’s pro-Western stance. This suggests Putin is more interested in reshaping European security to his advantage than in ending the conflict quickly.
Trump, however, remains optimistic. “We’re going to see whether or not Russia’s there. And if they’re not, it will be a very disappointing moment for the world,” he said. His urgency reflects his need for a major diplomatic victory, especially as economic concerns at home—including stock market volatility—add pressure on his administration.
Despite Trump’s push, Putin is in no hurry. His forces are close to expelling Ukrainian troops from the Kursk region, a key battlefield gain that could give Russia more leverage in negotiations. By delaying, Putin ensures that any eventual talks take place on his terms, making it harder for Ukraine to secure favorable conditions.
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Trump has already made significant concessions in his bid for peace, including an understanding that Ukraine will never join NATO. His decision to temporarily cut off military aid to Kyiv—before restoring it—signaled his willingness to pressure Ukraine into negotiations, even at the risk of emboldening Moscow.
Critics worry that Trump’s approach is too accommodating. His history of praising Putin and shifting blame for the war onto Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has raised concerns that he may be more interested in securing a geopolitical deal with Russia than in ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty.
While Trump has floated the idea of imposing tariffs and banking sanctions on Russia, their impact is uncertain. After years of Western pressure, Moscow has developed alternative economic channels, particularly through China, reducing the effectiveness of US-led sanctions.
The diplomatic standoff has alarmed European allies, many of whom view Russia’s response as a classic attempt to buy time while consolidating gains on the battlefield. Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds warned that Moscow is using its usual “salami tactics,” gradually advancing its goals while keeping negotiations in limbo.
As Trump pushes ahead, the key question remains: Is he outmaneuvering Putin, or is the Russian leader manipulating him to extract more concessions while prolonging the war? The answer could shape not only the future of Ukraine but also the balance of power between the US and Russia in the years to come.
Reported by CNN.
